The media regularly report on stories about entrepreneurs who give up their jobs to pursue dreams of starting their own business. Many people find success and make it work but in reality it can be difficult. Before taking the plunge however it is worth taking a little time to think.

Mobile growth usage has spiked over the last few years, with 64 percent of Americans already owning a smartphone and using the device to do a wide range of activities, according to the Pew Research Center.

Business rates are a tax on property and collected to pay for public services. They are charged to the occupier or to the owner of the property at a lower level if vacant. Business rates are necessary but like all taxes they should be fair and sufficiently flexible to reflect commercial and economic realities.

It’s an idea that’s just as relevant now as it was in the 1850s, with a key difference — the West these days is a whole lot wilder, and the fortunes quite a bit bigger. Silicon Valley is a place of tremendous opportunity and risk. If you’ve built something that shows promise, potential investors will line up, and many new doors will be open for you.

Do you want to find new customers and break into new markets? Do you want to increase your sales and reduce costs? Whether you want to find new customers or suppliers, develop new products or services we offer a variety of business support and mentor programmes.

In the world of business, marketing to a potential audience and attempting to get new leads is one of the best ways to grow your business. If you truly want to be successful with your company, however, leveraging your current customers and getting the most out of them is the most cost-effective scheme in the long run.

Do you have a business idea or have you ever thought of working for yourself? If the answer is yes why not speak to us as we have helped hundreds of people to start their own business over the past 25 years.

Economic growth is often taken for granted yet relied upon to improve our standard of living. But in recent years growth has stalled and has sent shock waves through the economy. What has happened and why?